From September 9-11, Pogradec was transformed into a hub of visual art, hosting the 15th edition of the “International Visual Arts Colony.” The lakeside city of Lake Ohrid welcomed 22 artists from across the globe, including Kosovo, North Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro, Poland, England, Iraq, South Korea, and many others.

Curator Saimir Ahmeti, speaking to the media, described Pogradec as a source of inspiration for the participating artists, who produced remarkable works in various techniques. He emphasized that the essence of visual art lies in the intersection of shared professional values.

“They all love Pogradec, and it’s hard to pinpoint exactly what makes it so captivating. Perhaps it’s the nature, or perhaps it’s the people. A particularly unique technique was demonstrated by the Korean artist, who worked with aluminum,” Ahmeti noted.

Among the participants was Marjana Goxhabelliu, a regular at these art colonies, who shared the special emotions she feels in Pogradec. “This city inspires you at every moment. The lake, with its ever-changing moods, is pure magic. This time, I’ve brought a landscape, which is different from my usual compositions,” she said.

Jola Kitkowska from Poland, deeply moved by the beauty of Pogradec, expressed her delight in taking part. “It’s my first time here, and I’m amazed by how stunning this place is. My contribution to the exhibition is a surreal woman, blending elements of reality and imagination,” Kitkowska explained.

Lina Sami, an Iraqi-British artist, reflected on her previous experiences in Pogradec and her deep connection to the city. “I’ve participated in this event several times and even had a solo exhibition here. Today, I’m presenting two paintings that reflect both my heritage and modern art,” she shared.

The exhibition will remain open in Pogradec for two weeks, inviting both locals and tourists to view the works. Following this, the exhibition will travel to the international “Skampa” festival in Elbasan, set to take place in October, bringing this diverse collection of international art to a wider audience.

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